With the exception of a few slots, choosing the 2013 NBA All-Star starters was fairly straightforward. Afterward, a long list of capable players remained, leaving the NBA coaches, who pick the All-Star reserves, to make tough decisions.

They managed to avoid any glaring omissions Thursday, when the official list of players picked to man the All-Star bench on Feb. 17 in Houston were announced. Players like Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Chris Bosh highlighted the list of those picked.

New names entered the All-Star pool and locks to start in previous seasons took a step back. But in the end, both teams were put together with considerable care. Of course, there will be players and fans who feel there were snubs and surprises.

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East backcourt: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Sure, Irving has missed a lot of games (11) and plays for a bad team (11-32), but he has been too good (23.7 points, 5.7 assists per game) and too consistent to be ignored by coaches.

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East backcourt: Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers

Holiday is the heart of Philly’s offense, more so since Andrew Bynum has been a season-long DNP. Stat shot: He’s averaging 19.2 points—on 45.8 percent from the field, 36.8 from beyond the arc—and 8.9 assists per game.

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East frontcourt: Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks

Chandler is one of the best defensive big men in the league, and his offense this season—watch him work without the ball, setting screens and finishing off the pick and roll—has improved immensely this season.

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East frontcourt: Paul George, Indiana Pacers

George is a first-time entry who has turned him game up since getting off to a rough start this season. The leader of the NBA's best defense, George has also produced on the offensive end, with 17.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

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East frontcourt: Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

That’s Bosh with a B, also as in Plan B. He’s there waiting for Dwyane Wade or LeBron James to dish him the ball when things break down. His ability to shoot the 15- to 20-footer makes a big difference in the Heat’s offense.

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East wild card: Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls forward surprised some by making the team. Without former MVP Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Deng have teamed with Carlos Boozer to keep the team afloat. Two of the players have been rewarded.

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East wild card: Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

Noah anchors the Bulls' tough defense in the middle, and at the other end of the floor—in Derrick Rose’s absence—he has been a strong passer, rebounder and, when necessary, scorer.

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West backcourt: James Harden, Houston Rockets

A franchise player? Yes. He’s among the league’s scoring leaders (25.9 points per game) and a huge part of the Rockets’ surprisingly strong first half, all while adjusting to his new teammates.

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West backcourt: Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Look, if Parker was a legit MVP candidate last season (and he was), then he’s an All-Star this year because he’s playing even better (19.7 points, 7.3 assists) while picking up the slack when Manu Ginobili has been out.

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West frontcourt: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

An All-Star's All-Star, Duncan is having one of his best, certainly most efficient, seasons. He might be one guy victimized by fans because his numbers (17.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg) merit a starting spot over, say, Dwight Howard.

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West frontcourt: David Lee, Golden State Warriors

Lee, as usual, has been unconscious offensively (19.6 points per game on 52.2 shooting), but add to that his rebounding (10.8 per game), surprisingly competent defense and the Warriors’ first half and he has a strong case.

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West frontcourt: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers

Aldridge clearly is the No. 1 player on his team, though rookie Damian Lillard is popping up more in crunch time. Aldridge is a strong post presence, especially on the defensive end.

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West wild card: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Westbrook went through an adjustment period in James Harden’s absence but appears to have found his stroke since New Year’s while still ranking among league leaders in assists (8.2) and steals (1.9).

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West wild card: Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

Z-Bo is a double-double machine (16.2 ppg, 11.6 rpg) who is shooting 48.3 percent while continuing to dominate on the boards. Good thing he can log 35.3 minutes per game because the Grizz bench is thin.